District 117 covers parts of the South, Southwest and far West Sides of San Antonio. The paper says Cortez, who was born and raised on the South Side, understands the district's issues and priorities better than his opponent.
Cortez has spent years in public office. In his early 20s, he worked as chief of staff to then-Mayor Ed Garza, then won two terms on the San Antonio City Council representing District 4. He also served as a U.S. Air Force officer, retiring as a captain in 2019.
His path to the state House had a detour. Cortez first won the seat in 2012, lost it to Republican Rick Galindo in 2014, then beat Galindo in a 2016 rematch, and he has held the seat since.
The endorsement signals continuity for voters who elected him before. It also flags Cortez's resume, city council experience, military service and a comeback win, as the case for keeping him in Austin over fresh competition.
A state rep who lost his seat once and then took it back in a rematch is still fighting to keep it, four elections later.